GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OUTAGE DISRUPTS FLIGHTS BANKS HOSPITALS

On Friday, a significant global technology outage led to widespread disruptions, affecting flights, banks, hospitals, and media outlets worldwide. The issue was traced to a faulty software update deployed by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, not a cyberattack. The outage grounded flights across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, creating long lines at airports and impacting travelers. Media in Australia faced broadcast interruptions, while banks in South Africa and New Zealand experienced payment system failures. Hospitals struggled with appointment and record systems, causing some elective surgeries to be canceled. The outage highlighted vulnerabilities in global internet infrastructure and reliance on software providers. Microsoft and CrowdStrike are working on solutions, but the impact has been substantial, affecting essential services and daily operations globally. (AP)

UNLABELED PSILOCYBIN IN VIRGINIA GUMMIES CAUSES ILLNESS

Since late 2023, gas stations and smoke shops in Virginia have been selling mushroom gummies marketed as nootropics or psychedelics, claiming to contain Amanita muscaria or other mushroom blends. Unlike psilocybin-containing mushrooms, A. muscaria is legal but can cause adverse effects like gastrointestinal upset and seizures. Between September 2023 and June 2024, five cases of illness were reported in Virginia from ingesting these gummies, including one involving a child. Symptoms included tachycardia, confusion, and nausea. Testing revealed that some gummies contained unlabeled psilocybin or psilocin, substances not legal in Virginia, and other substances like caffeine and kratom. The presence of these substances poses public health risks, including potential opioid dependence. The CDC has issued a health advisory on the matter. Consumers and healthcare providers should be cautious of mislabeled products and seek medical attention for symptoms related to these gummies. (MMWR)

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HEPARIN SHOWS PROMISE AS ANTIDOTE FOR SNAKE VENOM

Researchers have found that a common blood thinner, heparin, and similar compounds can counteract snake venom toxins in cells and mice. Published in Science Translational Medicine, the study demonstrates that heparin effectively prevents cobra venoms from causing tissue damage by binding to the toxins and stopping them from destroying cells. This discovery offers hope for a new type of antidote, potentially improving treatment for snakebite victims, particularly in remote areas with limited access to antivenom. Current treatments often fail to prevent severe tissue damage, which can lead to amputations if administered too late. By using CRISPR to study venom effects on human cells, researchers identified that toxins bind to heparan sulfates, which are similar to heparin. Testing showed that heparinoids could significantly reduce venom-induced lesions in mice. While ineffective against viper venoms, heparinoids could complement existing treatments and offer a more accessible option for rural communities. (Science)

BOTANISTS VOTE TO REMOVE OFFENSIVE NAMES FROM SPECIES

At the International Botanical Congress in Madrid, researchers voted to remove offensive scientific names from over 200 plant, fungi, and algae species. Names containing the racial slur “caffra,” which derogatorily references Black people and others in southern Africa, will be replaced with names using “afr” to honor Africa instead. For example, Erythrina caffra will become Erythrina affra starting in 2026. The proposal, driven by South African taxonomists Gideon Smith and Estrela Figueiredo, passed with 351 votes in favor and 205 against. Additionally, a new committee will review and potentially reject derogatory names for newly described species, effective from 2026. However, this committee will not address historical names. The changes aim to improve the inclusivity and sensitivity of scientific nomenclature, though some experts, like Alina Freire-Fierro, worry about potential confusion and challenges in other fields. (Nature)

SEVERE PAVEMENT BURNS RISE WITH HEATWAVES IN SOUTHWEST

Stephen Cantwell, 59, suffered severe burns after passing out on a Las Vegas sidewalk in 109-degree heat, with the pavement likely much hotter. He sustained second- and third-degree burns on about 10% of his body, including an arm and a leg, requiring two weeks of treatment. This incident highlights the rising risk of pavement burns as climate change intensifies heatwaves in expanding Southwest cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas. In Phoenix, the Arizona Burn Center treated 136 patients for contact burns in 2023, up from 85 in 2022, with 14 fatalities. This year, they’ve already seen 50 patients, four of whom died. The risk is attributed to asphalt’s ability to absorb intense heat, reaching temperatures that can cause severe burns in seconds. Vulnerable groups include the elderly, homeless individuals, and children. Prevention involves avoiding extreme heat, staying hydrated, and being cautious of hot surfaces. (New York Times)

NASA CANCELS $600 MILLION VIPER ROVER DUE TO BUDGET CUTS

NASA’s decision to cancel the $600 million VIPER lunar rover, despite its completion, highlights severe budget constraints in its planetary science program. The VIPER rover, designed to search for water ice at the lunar south pole, was set to launch on Astrobotic’s Griffin lander in 2025. Its cancellation, after costs ballooned to over $600 million, raises concerns about the future of NASA’s $2.6 billion Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. CLPS, aimed at fostering private lunar lander development, has faced setbacks with previous lander failures. The cancellation of VIPER, originally intended to use instruments from the defunct Resource Prospector mission, will save an estimated $84 million. However, this savings is seen as minimal compared to the potential impact on lunar science. NASA is now seeking international interest in taking over the rover, with a deadline of August 1. The decision reflects broader budgetary pressures and delays affecting NASA’s planetary missions, including the Mars Sample Return mission. Despite this setback, NASA remains committed to lunar exploration, though the cancellation is seen as a blow to U.S. leadership in lunar exploration. (Science)

Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.

WORDS: The Biology Guy.

IMAGE CREDIT: Skitterphoto.